The latest report on media trust reveals interesting insights into how different countries perceive their media institutions. China, Indonesia, and India emerge as leaders in media trust, with a combined population of over three billion people. Additionally, Thailand, Kenya, and Nigeria also exhibit significant levels of trust in their media, indicating strong public confidence in these countries’ news sources.
Moreover, countries like Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates showcase relatively high trust levels in their media. These figures suggest that factors such as state control, regulatory policies, and consistent reporting may contribute to maintaining public confidence in media institutions in these regions.
However, regional disparities in media trust are evident, with countries like Japan and South Korea displaying widespread skepticism towards their media. This contrasts sharply with countries like China and Indonesia, where media trust is notably higher.
The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights changes in media trust over time, indicating a slight overall increase in trust levels across most countries. Nonetheless, some nations have seen declines in trust due to concerns over misinformation, political influence, and media bias. One significant change occurred in Argentina, where trust in the media surged following the election of President Javier Milei, reflecting increased public confidence in the government’s policies and governance approach.
The evolving global landscape of media trust underscores the importance of factors such as government influence, journalistic integrity, and transparency in shaping public perception. While trust levels are gradually increasing in many regions, skepticism persists in various parts of the world. As media landscapes continue to evolve, these factors will play crucial roles in determining future trust levels.
The table below provides a breakdown of media trust rankings in different countries, highlighting the percentage of people who trust the media and the change in trust levels from 2024 to 2025:
1. China: 75% trust, -2% change
2. Indonesia: 75% trust, +5% change
3. India: 67% trust, 0% change
4. Thailand: 67% trust, -2% change
5. Kenya: 66% trust, +4% change
6. Nigeria: 63% trust, +7% change
7. Singapore: 62% trust, +2% change
8. Saudi Arabia: 61% trust, 0% change
9. Malaysia: 60% trust, 0% change
10. UAE: 59% trust, -4% change
These rankings offer a comprehensive overview of media trust levels in different countries and demonstrate the complex nature of public perception towards media institutions globally.
